Braving heavy rain on July 16, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest march from College Square to Dharmatala in Kolkata. She called out what she described as “systemic harassment” and ethnic profiling of Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-governed states, including Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana .

Mamata claimed that around 2.2 million Bengalis residing outside Bengal hold valid identity documents but are being singled out as suspected migrants or Rohingyas. She challenged the BJP’s actions, urging, “Detain me, if you can,” and warned of a potential “dire backlash” if the alleged mistreatment continues .

The protest - organised by Trinamool Congress ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled state visit - has been dubbed part of TMC’s strategy to reignite “Bengali asmita” (pride) ahead of the 2026 elections . Thousands participated, and extensive traffic diversions were enforced by Kolkata Police .

This march signals rising tensions between the two parties over language, identity, and national belonging—fueling a fiery political debate as the 2026 Assembly polls draw near.